No college degree program offers such a broad range of studies as business administration.

This degree touches on almost all aspects of business, from developing ideas for a company and setting the scope of a business to determining its structure and aligning management.

With a variety of topics being covered, some would-be students are confused about what they'll actually learn in a business administration program. Those students who have an interest in studying marketing naturally want to know, "Does business administration include marketing?"

At most schools, business administration courses concentrate on broad management principles and skills. Many programs include courses on accounting, business ethics, communication skills, data analysis, economic basics, operations, project management ... and marketing, too.

But how in depth does the marketing focus go in business administration colleges?

One way to decide which degree path to follow is to compare how each will prepare you for the workforce. Here are four examples showing key differences between business administration and marketing degree paths:

• Specialized vs. general – What makes a marketing degree valuable is that it is considered "specialized." In other words, you spend a great deal of time concentrating on one subject, becoming a deeper level expert than you would learning basic business concepts. However, a general degree can make you into a well-rounded professional, which, in the business world, can often lead to bigger and better positions within a company.
• Looking forward – Graduating with a business administration degree will allow you to be eligible for lower level positions in the marketing field, but it will also open additional opportunities. A general degree means you can move on to other areas of business with the possibility of serving in a business administration management Possible roles you could serve in include accountant, human resources recruiter, financial analyst, public relations coordinator and more.
• Salary comparison – Reports from CNN.com show that the average beginning wage for a marketing major is $59,471. The average beginning business administration salary is lower at $57,132. Still, with a general degree, you will have more flexibility to transition into new roles, including management positions that can earn you more money. Your range of knowledge will be greater, allowing you to benefit a company in more ways than offering your marketing expertise.
• The competition factor – Given the flexibility of a business administration degree, on average you will face taking an entry-level role far less frequently than a specialist. Specialist fields are becoming more and more competitive. That means the pool of applicants with marketing degrees is continuing to grow. In turn, many graduates with specialist degrees will be starting out their careers in entry- level roles or as unpaid interns.

How much of an emphasis there is on marketing in a business administration program depends on the school, which is why it's a good idea to visit with administrators before enrolling. If marketing is something you want to focus on - and yet you also want some flexibility in your career - some schools will allow you to major in marketing with a concentration on marketing. This will give you the best of both worlds, so to speak.

To move up the professional ladder into leadership, it will take beginning your career on a firm foundation with your choice of business administration jobs. A related degree could be the perfect platform for launching your career!